Electrical remote-control system



Jan. 1, 1952 c L, GOODWIN I 2,580,539

' ELECTRICAL REMOTE-CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Sept. 30, 1947 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 To dev/ce to be confrolled 15 IN V EN T 0R. \[4 C AEL L. 6' OODW/N ATTORNEYS.

1952 c. 1;. eooowm 2,580,539

' ELECTRICAL REMOTE-CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Spt. so, 1947 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 r\ r\ 14b 15 48 a 26 m If INVENTOR. CARL 1.. GOODW/N ATTORNEYS.

3 fire alarm; and Figure 4 shows a modified form of fire alarm system.

Figure 1 of the drawings illustrates a system embodying a simple push button sending station adapted to effect remote control of a circuit associated with the receiving station. In this figure, the power mains are indicated at I0, and the conventional transformer, which steps down the voltage of the mains to the voltage employed in the building wiring system, is indicated at II. The secondary I2 or" the transformer II has three leads I3, I4 and I5 which lead through the conventional service entrance box I6 and constitute the domestic or other building wiring. In ordinary domestic wiring systems, one transformer II may supply a plurality of customers, and ac-' cordingly leads I3, l4 and I5 are ordinarily provided with branches as indicated at I3a, Ma, and I5d and I312, I42; and I512 leading toother building wiring systems.

The center lead I4 is grounded, while the leads I3 and I5 constitute the outer legs of the wiring system. The load on the system is indicated by the lamps I7. Some of the lamps are connected between the outer leg I3 and the centerleg I4, and others are connected between the outer leg I5 and the center leg I4 as is customary in conventional three-wire alternating current systems. The sending or controlling station is indicated in general at I9 and is connected by a conventional plug 25 across the legs I3 and I4. The receiving station is indicated in general at 2| and is connected by a conventional plug 22 across the lines I4 and I5. Thus, the receiving and sending stations are shown as being connected to different branches of the wiring system. However, it is to be understood that they also may be connected in the same branch of the wiring system. In fact, when connected in the same branch, a greater direct current component of voltage is available for operation of the receiving station. It is to be understood that the invention also may be used with ordinary two-wire wiring systems.

In order to create the direct current component of voltage required for operation of the system, the sending station I9 comprises a. push button 25 and anasymmetric device such as the selenium rectifier 26 and a resistance 21 all connected in series. The purpose of the resistance 21 is to limit to a reasonable value the amount of current which flows through the sending station when the push button switch is closed. When the button is pushed, the circuit between the outer leg I3 and the center leg I4 of the wiring system is closed through the rectifier 26 and the resistor 21. The rectifier permits current to flow through it in one direction, but substantially prevents the flow of current in the other. -Thus, one-half wave of each cycle of alternating current is substantially blocked by the rectifier, while the other half of each cycle is permitted to flow. Accordingly, the action of the rectifier results in the imposition of a pulsating direct current on any normal alternating current flowing in the system. Thus, an asymmetric alternating current is caused to flow in the system. Due to the series line resistance of the conductors l3 and I4 and also due in part to the regulation of the transformer, this asymmetric current flowing through the wiring system causes a voltage drop across the lines of the wiring. Inasmuch as the current flowing through the system is asymmetric, the voltage developed in the lines due to this current also is asymmetric. Thus. there is developed an asymmetric voltage which may be considered as embodying a steady direct current voltage component. In the receiving station, this direct current component of voltage is substantially isolated across the direct current controlled device and thereby utilized to effect the desired control.

It is to be noted that in the system shown, flow oi the asymmetric current results in an IR drop between the outer leg I3 and center leg I4 because of the series resistance of these legs and because of the regulation of the transformer. There is no such IR, drop due to the resistance of the outer leg I5 inasmuch as the asymmetric current through the sending station does not flOW through the outer leg I5.

Also, regulation efiects in the transformer do ,not contribute to the establishment of a control voltage between the outer leg I5 and the center leg. Accordingly, the voltage drop between the outer leg I5 and the center leg I4 is less than the voltage drop between the outer leg l3 and the center leg I4. However, in most instances the voltage drop between the outer leg l5 and the center leg I4 is sufiicient to operate the receiving station even though the sending station is connected to the other branch of the system. If sumcient voltage cannot be developed otherwise, the IR. drop usually may be increased by placing a very small resistance, say 0.1 to 0.3 ohm, in series with the center leg I4 of the wiring system.

The receiving station 2I, in which the direct current component of the voltage generated in the wiring system by reason of the flow of asymmetric current through the sending station is utilized, may comprise a sensitive direct current relay 30 having a condenser 3I connected in parallel with it, the relay and condenser being connected across the lines I4 and I5 in series with a choke or inductance 32. The choke 32 limits the alternating current which can flow through the circuit of the receiving station to a low value. This small alternating current is in large part bypassed around the relay by the condenser 3|. However, when the button 25 is pushed to close the circuit through the sending station I9, the direct current component of the voltage produced across the lines causes a direct current to flow through the choke, which has negligible noninductive resistance; this current is blocked by the condenser 3 I. A direct current component is thus caused to flow through the relay 30, actuating the relay to close the circuit therethrough. In the embodiment shown, the relay is utilized to'control the alternating current circuit including conductors 33 and 34 which lead to any device which is intended to be operated or controlled.

As examples of components which are suitable for use in an ordinary volt 60 cycle wiring system, the rectifier 26 may be a selenium rectifier having a capacity of 200 milliamperes but which is capable of carrying large overloads for short periods of time, and the resistor 21 may be a 25 ohm 50 Watt resistor which is also capable of carrying large overloads for short periods of time. In the receiving station, the choke 32 may have an inductance of about 2 henries and 5 ohms D. C. resistance. The condenser 3| may be a 10 volt electrolytic condenser having a capacity of 1500 microfarads, while the relay 30 preferably has a sensitivity of 2.5 milliwatts or better and a coil resistance of about 5 ohms. Obviously, these values can be varied within reasonably wide limits, and for other types of circuits, different values may be utilized. However. components n-scopes ame-overload. This'mode of operation isdesirable ecausetheseunitsneed only carry current for short means-or time, and it is desirable to use s. small rec-tifier and resistor and overload them in order to savein first costand to provide coniimy of-space. Inthe sending station IQa o Flgurehz, means are provided for protecting theiectifier and resistor against prolonged overldads. Theprotection is obtained by a normally closed bimetallic thermostatic switch 40,'the; coil "bf which is connected in parallel with the rectis 'fier 26 and resistor 21. If the push button 25 "is held down for more than say seven seconds, the "current flowing through the coil of the switch "40 will heat the bimetallic element thereofcausmg the contact4l to move away fromthe contact 42 and thus-opening the circuit through the "rectifier 26 and resistorZ'i before the rectifier and "resistor'become overheated and damaged by the {overload applied to them in normal operation of the system. Y

Thereceiving unit 2|a in Figure 2 operates on "prcisely'the same principle as the unit 2! here- "tofore described and includes the sensitive relay '"3lland condenser 3]. In this form of the inven- -tion, however, the choke or inductance in series j'with the relay is formed by the primary 45 of a transformer having a secondary 4% which fur nishes the low voltage alternating current for "operating the buzzer] 41. The circuit leading to "therelay 30 and transformer primary 45 includes a, switch 48 by which the receiving unit "maybe shut off and a pilot lamp which burns whenever the "receiving unit is connected into the circuit and switch 48 is closed.

In ordinary domestic wiring systems, particularly when there are motor driven devices such 'as"fans andrcfrigerators connected to the sys- "tem,"'there" may be transient effects which will "'causesuflicient direct'current to flow in the systemto close the relay 30 momentarily. Similar transients often occur when the power is first "turned on. -In order'to prevent such transient *ffectsfrom sounding the buzzer 41, the relay30 employed to close a circuit through a selenium re ctifier fill, a condenser 51 across which arelay 52 is connec'ted and a resistor 53. The condenser and resistor provide a timedelay circuit, it be'ing necessary to charge the condenser E! with the' direct current produced by the rectifier 1 50 before the relay 52 will be closed.

' By this means,a delay of, for example of a second, can be'introduced into the system, and while momentary closing of the relayill will not result in the closing of the relay 52, the relay 52 will operate and close whenever the relay 30 remains closed-for more than the time delay introducedby the condenser 5! and associated elements. Upon closing of the relay 52, the bu'zzer 4! will sound. The delay so introduced into the circuit is insufflcient to be noticeable in -operatibn, and' while 'thebu'zz'er will s'ourid i wh'en- *eve'r the push button Jis" depressed for more than for example Abia-second, 'it*will-not sound even though the relay may be momentarily "closed by transient "effectsin the system.

Sending units such as I'Qaand receiving units such as *2 I a be" plugged into a conventional wiring system anywhere in the system, thus making it possible to signal irom any point ln the system to" any other 'point in i the system without requiring any additional' wiring. Apparatus of this type can be used to operate call bells and buzzers' which can be installed in' existing buildings without requiring the l installation of ahy additional wiring.

My system alsois "useful in connection with are and "burglar alarms. 3 Figure 3 shows one adaptation of my system to a fire alarm. Here the sending unit lSbis identical withth'esend- -ing unit-19a, including therectifier 26, resistor ETand thermostatic-switch 40, but instead of the push button 25 a thermally operated, mechan- "ically -lockingswitch 55 is employed. This switc which maybe of any known typeg normally*'is open; when the temperature of the switch is raised to -'a predetermined degree; the

switch closes and remains closed even "if the "'temperature should drop, permitting current to flow through the rectifier and resistor as before -"and'-'creating the direct current voltagecomponents in the 'wiring system as *pi'eviously' described. In-*this modification} the sending unit lfib also is providedwith a neon-typ pilot lamp 55'wliich burns so l'ongas thethermos'tatic-switch "is closed.When "the "thermally operated tween-e5 closes, the thermostatic switch 40 op ens after a'- predetermined interval as previeu'sly *describedin connection with Figure 2.

Opening of theswitch' lll, opens the circuitleadirig' to the pilot light= which is thereupon exti-nguished. I-hus, if'an alarm'should-sound in 'asystm employing several fire detecting sending stations, the stationsending the alarm can be determined because 7 its pilot light 56 will be xtinguished.

After 'normal conditions have been restored,

the station sending the alarm maybe reset' by manually opening the thermally operated switch 55; after switch 55 is opened;- the thermostatic switch 40 will remain opn untilitcools sufllciently to -permit' i-ts contacts to close. Under such circumstances, there is a' path for the fiowof-current f-rom line l4 'through plug '20, themheating coil "of the thermo'static swltch 40, rectifier' 26, resistor 21 and pilot light 56 backto plug 2!) and line -15. Thefneon glow lamp 56,(however, carries so little current that the the'rmostatic switch 40*w'ill cool almost as rapidly as if there'were no position.

The receiving unit 2lb is similar-to u'n'it ZIa heretofore described and includes a relay '30, condenser'3l, choke 32, switch 48and pilot light "49. *In thisform of the invention, however, instead of using a condenser, 'resistor' and rectifier to obtain-a time delay to prevent thel-alarm from circuit controlled by the relay 30.

. the alarm horn 52.

being sounded by transient effects, a normally open thermostatic switch 58 is connected into the Closing of the relay 30 results in heating of the thermostatic element of the switch 58 and the closing of the circuit through the contacts 59 and '50 of the switch. This circuit leads to the alternating current relay Bl which thereupon closes, supplying current to It will be noted that the conductor 63 provides a holding circuit for the relay 6| so that when the relay is once closed, it will remain locked in, and the horn 62 will sound until the switch 48 is opened regardless of the position of the relay 30 or the thermostatic switch 58.

An apparatus such as shown in Figure 3 provides a simple fire alarm in which one or more sending or fire detecting units may be employed in the system in connection with one or more receiving or alarm units. The apparatus provides a'simple and reliable alarm system which may be installed merely by plugging the detecting and alarm units into the ordinary wiring system without requiring any additional wiring. While the detecting unit is shown as embodying a thermally operated switch for detecting fires, it will be evident that other detecting devices such as burglar alarms and photo-cell devices may be employed in the sending station. It will also be evident that the type of signal to be given by the receiving or alarm unit may be varied without departing from the teachings of the invention.

The systems previously described will all cause efiects in all of the building wiring systems associated with a single power transformer. Where it is desired to avoid such effects in neighboring buildings, a system such as that shown in Figure 4 may be employed. In this form of the invention, the sending unit may be the fire detecting unit I9b previously described in connection with Figure 3. As previously described, closing of the thermally operated switch 55 causes an asymmetric current to flow in the lines l3 and 14 across adjacent the service entry box IE, but on the I building side of the box and on the building side of the ground connection 66. In the ordinary three-wire system, the normal load currents flowing in the center leg are relatively small. Hence, the losses caused by the resistance 65, which preferably is only about 0.2 ohms and of 100 watt capacity, are practically negligible. However, the resistance is such that when the circuit through the sending station [9b is closed, the direct current component of the voltage created by the IR drop across resistor 65 is sufficient to operate the receiving or alarm station 2Ic.

The receiving unit 2 I is similar to the unit 2 lb except for the modifications necessary to connect the circuit including the relay 30a, condenser 3| and choke 32a across the resistor 65 and to connect the circuits controlled by the relay 30 across the legs l4 and I of the wiring systerm in order to provide the normal 110 volt A. C. supply for the horn 62. In this system, good results are obtained with a relay 3% having a sensitivity of 2.5 milliwatts and a resistance of 0.5 ohm, and a choke 32a having a resistance of 0.5 ohm and-an inductance of 0.5 henry; otherwise the values of the components may be the same as given above. This unit embodies the thermally operated switch 58 as before, and the alarm horn circuit is controlled by the alternating current relay 6| which, as before, is locked in, once the relay Si is closed. Switch 48 opens the circuit and renders the device inoperative, and pilot light 49 burns whenever the device is connected in the circuit and the switch is closed. This type of alarm may be disposed adjacent the service entrance box and may be operated by one or more sending or detecting stations 19b. Devices of this type operated by the voltage drop in a small resistor in the central leg of the wiring system also may be used for signaling or control purposes. This type of system is advantageous, in that it does not respond to voltages developed in the circuit outside of the service entrance box, and is useful largely in connection with devices such as alarms, furnace controls or the like which can be disposed in the basement of the building adjacent the service entry box. With a system of this type, if the receiving unit is to be located at a point remote from the service entry box, additional wiring will be required.

From the foregoing description of preferred forms of my invention, it will be seen that I have provided a simple and effective remote control system which can be connected into ordinary wiring systems merely by plugging the sending and receiving units into the wiring system. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications may be made in the forms of the system described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention. For example, different means may be utilizedfor controlling the sending stations, and the receiving stations may be adapted to control instrumentalities different from those disclosed herein. The systems disclosed herein all involve the production of voltages having direct current components between the lines of the wiring system. As noted above, alternating currents of different frequencies than the power supply may be employed. Various other changes and modifications in the invention may be made in order to adapt it to different uses and purposes. Therefore, it is to be understood that my patent is not limited to the preferred forms described herein by way of example, or in any manner other than by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A remote control system adapted to utilize a conventional alternating current wiring system to transmit an electric impulse from a sending station to a receiving station, a sending station comprising a normally open switch, an asymmetric conducting device, a resistor and a normally closed thermostatic switch all connected in series and adapted to be connected across .two lines of the wiring system, said thermostatic switch having a heating coil connected in parallel with said asymmetric conducting device, said thermostatic switch being arranged to open after current has flowed through the heating coil thereof for a predetermined period of time, thereby cutting off the flow of current through said asymmetric conducting device.

2. In a remote control system adapted to utilize a conventional alternating current wiring system to transmit an electric impulse from a sending station to a receiving station, a sending station comprising a normally open switch, an asymmetric conducting device, a resistor and a normally closed thermostatic switch all connected in series and adapted to be connected across two lines of the wiring system, said thermostatic switch having a heating coil connected in par allel with said asymmetric conducting device, said thermostatic switch being arranged to open after current has flowed through the heating coil thereof for a predetermined period of time, thereby cutting ofi the flow of current through said asymmetric conducting device, said sending station also including a glow-type pilot light connected in parallel with said normally open switch, said asymmetric conducting device and said resistor and in series with said thermostatic switch, whereby said pilot light will burn when said sending station is connected across said line so long as said thermostatic switch remains closed, and will be extinguished when said thermostatic switch is opened.

3. A remote control system adapted to utilize a conventional three-wire alternating current wiring system embodying a source of E. M. F. and a load to transmit an electric impulse from a sending station to a receiving station, said remote control system comprising a sending station embodying an asymmetric conducting device and switch means for connecting said asymmetric conducting device across two lines of the wiring system and in parallel with the load thereby to cause an asymmetric current to flow in said wiring system and in parallel with the load, a resistor in the center leg of the wiring system con- 10 nected in series with the center leg at a point between the sending station and the ground, and a receiving station connected to the wiring system across the resistor, said receiving station comprising a direct current controlled device, said direct current controlled device being operable by the direct current component of the voltage developed by reason of the IR drop across said resistor resulting from the flow of said asymmetric current.

CARL L. GOODWIN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

